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Id316w Organic Veg Prod
Id316w Organic Veg Prod
Organic Vegetable
Production
The authors wish to thank Bruce Bordelon, Rick Foster and
Karen Rane for critical comments and Brenda Nowaskie
for manuscript preparation.
Introduction
Soil Fertility
Organic production is a systems approach. Although
many aspects of vegetable production remain the same in Organic production relies on fertile, biologically active
both organic and non-organic or conventional systems, soil. Fertile soil has a combination of organic matter, accept-
there are differences. The purpose of this bulletin is to able pH, and a balance of plant nutrients suitable for healthy
discuss the major components of production which differ plant growth. Organic matter is maintained and biological
between the two systems. These components include activity is promoted by regular additions of organic material
transplant production, soil fertility management, and insect, to the soil. Examples of organic material include compost,
4
soil is usually so cold that nitrogen is not released quickly tapped into by growing deep-rooted crops or cover crops.
enough from organic matter for optimal growth of vegetable When soil levels of sulfur are inadequate, potassium mag-
crops. In that situation, using materials which contain nitro- nesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, or magnesium sulfate are
gen in a soluble form will improve crop growth. good sources.
Materials listed in Table 1 as having rapid availability
have some nitrogen in a soluble form. Since these materials Micronutrients - Mineral nutrients required in smaller
are often more expensive than slowly available materials, amounts than those mentioned in preceding paragraphs are
they are often side-dressed applied close to the crop, in a usually in adequate supply when the soil pH is at the desired
band alongside the row, or around individual plants instead level. These include manganese, iron, copper, zinc, boron,
of broadcast across the entire field. and molybdenum. If a deficiency is suspected, it is important
to have it accurately diagnosed before taking corrective
Phosphorus (P2O5) - Phosphorus is supplied as phos- measures. Metal chelates or sulfates, borax, and sodium mo-
phate-containing soil minerals and soil organic matter that lybdate are used to correct deficiencies when necessary.
gradually breaks down, releasing phosphorus for plant
uptake. One of the most important factors in determining Cover Crops - Important components of soil fertil-
the availability of phosphorus to plants is the pH of the soil. ity management in organic production are rotations which
In mineral soils, phosphorus is most available when pH is include cover crops and/or sod-forming crops. Cover crops
between 6 and 7. are planted for the primary purpose of improving and main-
Many soils which have received manure or synthetic taining soil fertility. Typically they are in the field for less
applications over a number of years contain relatively high than a year, and often grow during periods when the land
levels of soil phosphorus. In soils which have not been so would otherwise be left fallow. Sod-forming crops, such as
fertilized, phosphorus levels may be low. Rock powders such a legume/grass pasture, may grow for several years or more,
as colloidal phosphate and rock phosphate can be applied and may have uses in addition to the soil-building function.
to build up the phosphorus-supplying power of a soil over Both types of crops add organic matter to the soil, improv-
time. However, these products become available to plants
very slowly, and cannot be relied upon to supply adequate
phosphorus to a crop the year of application when soil levels
of phosphorus are low. They are more efficiently used by
incorporating into a compost-making operation where the
compost process will make them more available to plants.
Organic fertilizer materials and manure also contain
phosphorus, which is made available as the materials de-
compose in the soil. Bone meal has a relatively high concen-
tration of available phosphorus compared to other organic
fertilizers, and poultry manure has a higher concentration of
phosphorus than other manures (see Table 1).
As with nitrogen, when cool temperatures limit de-
composition of organic matter in the early spring, phos-
phorus may not be readily available to vegetable crops. This
problem is compounded because root growth is slow when Cover crops help improve soil fertility and reduce weed
temperatures are low. Even in soils which have high levels growth. In this photo, oilseed rape, bare ground, and winter
of phosphorus, it can be helpful to sidedress with a material rye (l to r) are compared.
high in available phosphorus early in the season.
ing soil fertility. Not only the aboveground portions of the
Potassium (K) - Potassium becomes available to plants crop, but also the entire root mass is new organic matter
by the gradual breakdown of soil minerals and clays. Rock which stimulates microbial activity leading to improved soil
powders such as granite dust and greensand contain 1-7% structure, nutrient-holding capacity, water infiltration, and
potash (K2O) but they break down very slowly and are of water-holding capacity. Planted in the late summer or fall,
little fertilizer value. Potassium magnesium sulfate (lang- they protect the soil from erosion and leaching of nutrients
beinite) and potassium sulfate provide K in a readily-avail- during winter and early spring.
able form. These materials both supply sulfur and the former Legume cover and sod crops, in addition to adding or-
supplies magnesium, both essential plant nutrients. Compost ganic matter, add nitrogen to soil. The nitrogen is absorbed
and manure are other sources of readily-available K. from the air by symbiotic bacteria living in the roots of the
legume crop, and is transformed by the bacteria into forms
Secondary Nutrients - Calcium, magnesium, and sulfur usable by plants. Non-legume cover crops do not add plant
are often in adequate supply in the soil. If the pH is in the nutrients to the soil, but they can help to redistribute them
desired range, calcium levels usually are adequate. The most from deeper soil. Deep-rooted cover or sod crops can take up
common calcium source is agricultural limestone, which also nutrients below the root zone of shallow-rooted cash crops,
raises the soil pH. Magnesium is supplied by break down of and recycle them into the plow layer when the cover or sod
soil minerals. If soil tests or plant response suggest a defi- crop is tilled under. Some cover crops, such as winter rye,
ciency, it can be supplied from sulfate of potash magnesia, contain compounds which suppress weed seed germination
magnesium sulfate (epsom salts), or, if an increase in soil and growth.
pH is desirable, dolomitic lime. Sulfur becomes available as Cover crops may be planted at any time during the year.
organic matter decomposes and as soil minerals break down. A late summer or fall seeding is common for winter cover
Subsoils often contain higher levels of sulfur which can be crops such as winter rye, or winter rye/hairy vetch mixture,
5
or spring oats. Spring or summer-planted annual cover crops
include sudangrass, sorghum sudangrass, and buckwheat.
Buckwheat is particularly useful for areas which are un-
cropped for short periods of time, since it establishes quickly
and can go from seed to seed in less than 8 weeks. Yellow-
blossom sweet clover, a deep-rooting biennial, is often
planted in spring or summer and left to grow until the
following spring. Cover crops may be overseeded or inter-
seeded while a cash crop is still in the ground, if care is taken
to provide a good seed bed and moisture. This is often done
at the final cultivation.
Species mixtures are often recommended over single-
species cover crops or sod crops because the mixtures tend to
use resources more fully and provide a more diverse habitat.
Except in situations where a legume would not establish
well, or where the nitrogen-fixing power of legumes is not
desired, at least one legume and one non-legume are recom-
mended.
Some growers establish a sod-forming crop between
rows of a cash crop, forming a living mulch which provides
soil-improving benefits without taking land totally out of Figure 1. Common Natural Enemies
vegetable production. The sod-crop typically must be
carefully managed to limit competition with the cash crop Purdue Greenhouse Media Analysis Lab
for nutrients and water. For example, the low-growing Dutch 625 Agriculture Mall Dr.
white clover can be seeded between rows of a tomato crop West Lafayette, IN 47907-2010
several weeks after transplanting. Periodic mowing can be
Phone: (765) 494-6619
used to control its growth. This system has worked best when
irrigation is available and the sod crop grows only in a strip E-mail: tk@hort.purdue.edu
between cash crop rows, with an uncropped area between the
Transplants will usually require fertilization after a
sod and the cash crop.
couple of weeks. Observations of plant growth combined
with knowledge of nutrients available in the growing
Seeds and Transplants medium before planting, and nutrients available in applied
materials should be the growers guide to fertilizing trans-
plants. We have had success with weekly applications of fish
Seeds and transplants should be produced using organic
emulsion (analysis 3-2-2) at a rate of 250 to 500 ppm N (2 to
methods. Greenhouse grown transplants are usually grown
4 tablespoons/gallon), applied to the growing medium with
in a peat- or compost-based growing medium. Some growers
the irrigation water. Other practices include using magne-
use commercially available products, while others mix their
sium sulfate or extracts of plant compost or seaweed.
own. Many commercial products contain synthetic fertilizers
Keeping transplants healthy requires attention to the
and/or synthetic wetting agents that are not allowed by
greenhouse physical environment (light, temperature, air
national organic standards; these should be avoided. Growers
quality, and humidity), growing medium (moisture content,
who mix their own growing medium usually experiment with
pH, nutrient status), and sanitation. Refer to Purdue Exten-
different recipes over several years to develop one that works
sion Publication BP-61 for more details.
well for them. A sample recipe is provided below. If compos-
ted materials are used, it is important that they be fully
Potting Mix Recipe
composted, because incompletely composted materials will
1 part peat, 1 part compost, 1 part vermiculite or perlite
continue to compost and may temporarily deplete nitrogen
per 25 gallons finished product, mix in 1.5 cups each of
in the growing medium. Whether the growing medium is
superfine dolomitic, blood meal, bone meal and
purchased or mixed on the farm, it is wise to have it tested
greensand.
for pH, soluble salts content (also called electrical conduc-
tivity), and major nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) before seeding.
This service is provided by commercial soil testing labs as
well as many companies that produce growing media. The
Safety
Greenhouse Media Analysis Lab of Purdue University also The safety of the applicator is just as important with the
tests greenhouse media (see below). application of organically approved pesticides as it is with
The media samples should be representative of the conventional pesticides. Organic pesticides, although they
crop or problem you wish to analyze. The sample should be may be the result of natural processes, can be health hazards
collected from top to bottom of the growing container so the if used improperly. Research the chemicals you plan to use
entire root zone is included. At least a cup of medium is carefully for possible health hazards. Read the label of each
needed for a proper analysis. The samples should be mailed product carefully and follow the precautions listed there.
in a plastic bag. New media should be wetted to field or Always wear the protective clothing called for in the label.
container capacity before mailing. Contact the Media Double check the calibration to make certain the proper
Analysis Lab for details. amount is applied.
6
Insect Management sucking insects resulting in mummified prey. A parasitized
aphid will be about two times its normal size and be brownish-
tan. The parasitized aphid will not move. If there is no hole
In organic systems, insect pests are managed preventively in the parasitized aphid, the wasp is still inside. The im-
rather than curatively. The idea is to alter the system so that mature wasp completes its development within the mum-
pests do not find the plants, are controlled by natural enemies,
or their damage is kept to a minimum. Insect management is
also dependent upon having a healthy organic system. This
includes a proper balance of nutrients in the soil and in the Nonparasitized Aphid
plant. Plants that are vigorous have a much better ability to
withstand damage caused by insects and disease. Healthy
soil and plants, therefore, are the best defense. Table 3 (at the
end of this publication) gives information on pests and which
of the following management systems might work best in
their control.
This section describes the general principles of insect pest
management in organic production. For more information
regarding the efficiency of specific practices, refer to Table 3.
7
were released they would leave the area. Purchase of biocon- strating their efficiency. For example, marigolds are sup-
trol agents does however, make good sense in greenhouse posed to have many insect repellent properties, but in our
situations where the beneficial insects can be contained. studies, we found no difference in the number of pests on
Since many adult predators and parasitoids feed on cabbage or tomatoes when marigolds were present vs. when
nectar and pollen, it is essential to have these resources they were not. The key to mixing plants is usually NOT the
nearby. A variety of plants will be more effective than a repelling action per se, but the plants contrasting desir-
single species. An example would be several types of clover ability to the pest. In a complex system where plants are
(red, crimson, sweet, white, etc.) along with more traditional mixed, insect pests spend a great deal of time moving from
flowers like marigolds, zinnias, etc. The objective is to have plant to plant looking for the right one instead of eating.
a continuous nectar and pollen source throughout the season. When they are moving, the pests are much more vulnerable
The closer these flowering plants are to the vegetables the to natural enemies and diseases. Companion plantings should
more often the vegetable plants will be searched by the be chosen so they 1) will not interfere with one anothers
parasitoids or predators. In addition to natural enemies, growth and 2) are from different groups so that the pest
flowering plants will attract a wide variety of pollinators cannot utilize both of the plant types present. For example,
such as honeybees, bumble bees, wasps, and butterflies. flea beetles can feed on many members of the solanaceae
family, so peppers or tomatoes would be poor companion
plants. Herbs make good companion plants, as most insects
do not like their taste. Beans (dry or snap) would also work
as a companion plant with eggplant.
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Trap crops - These crops are used to lure a particular and insect life cycles. Sanitation includes cleaning up,
pest away from a more important crop. The trap crop is tilling under or composting crops that have been harvested
usually considered expendable and is usually destroyed once for the last time to stop insect pests from building their
it is heavily infested. If it does not become heavily infested population. Broccoli or cauliflower should be removed
and retains most of the pests that visit it, then it can be left completely once harvest is over to stop cabbage worms
in the field. An example would be using Hubbard Squash to from using the plants as a nursery. Destroy all potatoes
attract squash vine borer and striped cucumber beetle away and volunteers after harvest to cut down on Colorado potato
from watermelon, pumpkin, or cantaloupe plantings. Corn beetle food sources before they go into hibernation.
(sweet or field) before silking will attract European cornborer When these biological or cultural controls do not work,
from plantings of pepper and earworms (fruitworms) from and at times they wont, then the grower has to make more
tomatoes. immediate management decisions to stop the pest. This is
when organic pesticides may be used.
9
Pyrethrums are found in chrysanthemum flowers. Suffocating oils or horticultural oils are used either
Pyrethrums are essentially nontoxic to mammals and are fast when plants are dormant (dormant oils), or when plants are
acting in insects. As with Rotenone, pyrethrums are highly actively growing (summer oils). They are usually used on
unstable in light, moisture or air and therefore, do not last woody plants for control of aphids, mites, whiteflies, and
very long on plants, (1-2 days). Pyrethrum acts on contact on thrips. Under some circumstances, oils can burn foliage such
a broad spectrum of insects, which includes predators and as on cloudy, humid days. Plant-based oils are best; petro-
parasitoids. In our studies, it had moderate success in leum oils are restricted by most certifying agencies. Be sure
controlling pests (Table 3). to check before using.
There are several plant extracts used to repel insects
Rotenone (Derris, cube, timbo) is derived usually from (such as hot pepper wax, garlic spray, citrus oil, etc.). Our
tropical plants (Derris malaccenis and elliptica), although a studies and others have found they work poorly if at all, and
native weed (devils shoestring Tephrosia virginiana) also we generally do not recommend them.
contains some rotenone. It is usually sold as a powder, but
there are some liquid formulations. Be careful not to buy any
rotenone that has been adulterated with synthetic chemicals Disease Management
(Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO) is not allowed by most organic
certification agencies). Rotenone acts as a stomach or contact Diseases can be very difficult to control in organic
poison on a broad spectrum of insects, including predators systems. Once a disease is present and the environmental
and parasitoids too. It is very toxic to fish. In our studies, it conditions favor disease, there is little an organic grower can
had moderate success in controlling some pests (See Table do. Therefore it is best to be proactive. The following items
3). As with pyrethrums, rotenone products are relatively are important to understanding Table 4 on plant disease
unstable. management.
10
To avoid soil erosion, a cover crop can be planted over the Attention to timing is critical for successful weed
winter. Alternatively, some growers may want to remove management. In most cases, the smaller the weed, the easier
plant debris and compost it. In such cases it is critical to it is to control. Some cultivation tools work well only on
remove roots as well as tops and make sure the compost very small weeds, others can kill larger weeds as well. The
becomes hot enough to kill the plant pathogens that may be timing of control in relation to crop growth is also important.
present. Whether tillage is likely to be effective or not is Most vegetable crops show little yield loss if kept weed-free
listed under each crop/disease combination (Table 4). As a from 3 to 6 weeks after planting. Those weeds that emerge
general rule, composting will not be effective unless plant soon after the crop is planted are likely to reduce yield. Make
parts can no longer be recognized. controlling such weeds a priority. Late-emerging weeds may
need to be controlled to prevent additions of seed to the soil,
Resistant Varieties are an organic growers best friend. to ease harvest operations, or for appearance. Strategies,
If at all possible, use resistant varieties to avoid disease practices, and technologies which aid in weed control are
problems in the first place. Some varieties are listed as included below.
partially resistant or tolerant. Whereas resistant varieties
show very few symptoms of the disease, partially resistant
varieties may show symptoms, but yield is unaffected.
Growers should note that some varieties are resistant to only
certain races of a pathogen. Find out what races of a patho-
gen are in your area by asking your seed representative or
Purdue Extension educator. Unfortunately, resistant varieties
are not available for all situations. In addition, varieties that
are resistant may lack desirable horticultural characteristics
or consumer preference. The availability of resistant varieties
is listed under each crop/disease combination (Table 4).
11
An advantage to flame weeding over cultivation is that it Mulching - Mulch is a material covering the soil
does not disturb the soil, and so does not stimulate germi- surface. To control weeds, the mulch must block nearly all
nation of additional dormant weed seeds. the light that reaches the soil, so that weeds which emerge
underneath the mulch do not have enough light to survive.
Stale Seedbed - A stale seedbed is prepared several Non-degradable black plastic mulch and wavelength selec-
weeks to months prior to crop seeding, weeds are allowed to tive mulches are acceptable in some organic programs,
emerge, and they are killed while still small by very shallow provided the mulch is completely removed from the field at
cultivation, flame weeding, or other non-selective method. the end of the season. Mulches of organic material such as
Depending on the length of time before planting, one or straw, paper, newspaper, and cardboard, or killed cover crop,
more flushes of weeds may emerge and be killed between are effective if they block sufficient light. Using mulch in
seedbed preparation and planting. The final kill should occur combination with no-till planting of vegetables into undis-
as close to the planting date as possible. This technique turbed soil has looked promising in a number of trials. For
reduces the number of weeds that germinate after the crop is example, people are experimenting with no-till planting into
planted. Its success depends on the weed spectrum and the a killed winter rye cover crop. In addition to controlling
timing of planting. It has proven useful in reducing popu- weeds, plastic and organic mulches influence other aspects
lations of summer annual broadleaves such as lambsquarters of the system. Black mulch, and to a greater extent, Infra Red
and pigweed. Transmitting (IRT) mulch, increase soil temperature, which
speeds growth of warm season crops, leading to earlier and
sometimes higher total yield. Organic mulches typically
decrease the soil temperature. This lower temperature can
delay warm season crops, if mulches are applied before the
soil has warmed up. It can also provide a better environment
for cool season crops during the summer months. Organic
mulches which have a high carbon to nitrogen ratio such as
straw, paper, or cardboard, may reduce the amount of
nitrogen available to the plant as they begin to decompose.
Additions of nitrogen-rich organic fertilizers may be needed
to overcome this problem. Mulches provide additional
benefits, including keeping the crop clean, reducing loss of
soil moisture to evaporation, and (if organic) adding organic
matter to the soil.
12
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15
Tomato Hornworm Colorado Potato Beetle
Japanese Beetle
16
17
Additional Sources of Information on Organic Vegetable Production:
Books Rodales Successful Organic Gardening: Controlling Pests
Great Garden Formulas: The Ultimate Book of Mix-it- & Diseases. Rodale Press, Book Readers Service, 33 East
Yourself Concoctions for Your Garden. Rodale Press. Book Minor St., Emmaus, PA 18098.
Readers Service, 33 East Minor St., Emmaus, PA 18098. <www.rodalepress.com>
<www.rodalepress.com>
Sustainable Vegetable Production from Startup to Market, by
The New Organic Grower, by E. Coleman. Chelsea Green V. Grubinger. NRAES-104. Natural Resource, Agriculture
Publishing, Chelsea, VT. & Engineering Service, Cooperative Extension, 152 Riley-
<www.chelseagreen.com> Robb Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853-5701.
<www.nraes.org>
Pests of the Garden & Small Farm: A Growers Guide to
Using Less Pesticide, by M. L. Flint. Pub. 3332, Division of Vegetable Insect Management with Emphasis on the
Agriculture & Natural Resources, Univ. of California, 6701 Midwest, by R. Foster and B. Flood. Meister Publishing
San Pablo Ave., Oakland, CA 94608-1239. Company, Willoughby, OH.
<www.ucpress.edu> <http://meisterpro.com/mpn/>
(Not written for organic production, but includes alternative
methods of control for pests.)
18
Purdue University Extension Publications Commercial Sites
E-21 Managing Insects in the Home Vegetable Garden Organic Gardening
E-30-W Cucurbit Insect Management <http://www.organicgardening.com>
E-65 Vegetable Insect Identification The Natural Gardening Co.
E-74 Flea Beetles <http://www.naturalgardening.com>
E-95 Managing Striped Cucumber Beetle Populations on Organic Trade Association
Cantaloupe and Watermelon <http://www.ota.com>
E-96 Managing Insect Pests of Potato Individuals and Organizations
E-97 Management of Insect Pests on Fresh Market Hoosier Organic Marketing Education
Tomatoes <http://members.iquest.net/~cvof/home/homeinfo.htm>
E-98 Managing Insects in Commercially Grown Sweet Noahs Ark An Organic Growers Homepage
Corn <www.rain.org/~sals/my.html>
E-99 Managing Insect Pests of Commercially Grown Organic Ag Info
Cole Crops <http://www.organicaginfo.org>
BP-61 Preventing Seedling Diseases in the Greenhouse Organic Consumers Association
<http://organicconsumers.org/>
ID-56 Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for
Commercial Growers Organic Materials Review Institute
<http://www.omri.org>
ID-101 Animal Manure as a Plant Nutrient Resource
The Organic Vegetable Gardening Guru
WQ-16 Land Application of Manure
<http://members.aol.com/ovgguru/ovgguru.html>
AY-277 Calculating Manure and Manure Nutrient
Rodale Institute
Application Rates
<http://www.rodaleinstitute.org>
AY-281 Soil Sampling for P, K, and Lime Recommendations Sustainable Earth
<http://www.sustainableearth.net>
Many of these are available on the Web at
<http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia> Organic Certification - Educational Organizations
Also, single copies of these can be obtained through Purdue Hoosier Organic Marketing Education
Media Distribution Center, 1-888-EXT-INFO. 8364 S. State Road 39
Clayton, IN 46118
Other Extension Publications Phone: (317) 539-4317
Cultivation Equipment. IPM Fact Sheet 102FSNCT, Cornell E-mail: cvof@iquest.net
Cooperative Extension, Resource Center, 7 Business and <http://members.iquest.net/~cvof/home/homeinfo.htm>
Technology Park, Ithaca, NY 14850. (607) 255-2080.
<http://www.cce.cornell.edu/publications/catalog.html> Organic Certification - Certifying Agents
Indiana Certified Organic
Information on the Internet 8364 S. State Road 39
Sites at Land Grant Universities Clayton, IN 46118
Univ. of California, Davis Phone: (317) 539-4317
<vric.ucdavis.edu/selectnewtopic.organic.htm>
Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association
Univ. of Wisconsin: Healthy Farms, Healthy Profits
9665 Kline Road
<www.bse.wisc.edu/hfhp>
West Salem, OH 44287-9562
Federal and State Government Sites Phone: (419) 853-4060
Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA) E-mail: organic@oeffa.com
<http://attra.ncat.org>
Many publications about organic growing online.
National Organic Program
<http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop >
This site has the National Organic Rule (standards) online.
Indiana Organic Certification Standards
<http://www.IN.gov/oca/other/organic_rule.html>
Indiana Organic Certification Accreditation Law
<http://www.IN.gov/legislative/ic/code/title15/ar4/
ch12.html>
19
REVISED 8/03
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